A veteran of the US Navy embarks on a new chapter in his life, retiring after a remarkable 35-year journey in nuclear innovation and space exploration at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This career has been a testament to the power of science and technology, and the impact of one individual's work on the world. But here's where it gets controversial...
Dave Hendricks, a graduate of Jerome High School, began his career in the Navy, where he studied nuclear systems. This foundation set the stage for his future endeavors, leading him to eastern Idaho and the doors that opened at the INL. His journey began at Argonne National Laboratory–West, where he worked on the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), a pioneering nuclear reactor designed to explore advanced fuel and safety concepts.
Over the years, Hendricks' work evolved from nuclear fuel exams to engineering labs, and then to the Hot Fuel Examination Facility and the Fuel Conditioning Facility. Here, he played a crucial role in studying nuclear fuel after it had been used inside a reactor, ensuring the safety and efficiency of future reactors.
A turning point came after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which prompted a reevaluation of national security concerns. This shift led to the relocation of critical space-power work from Ohio to Idaho, and Hendricks was at the forefront of this change. He helped assemble the first RTG used for NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which launched in 2006 and flew past Pluto in 2015.
His work didn't stop there. Hendricks also played a vital role in powering Mars rovers, including the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, which continue to explore the surface of Mars today. These rovers rely on nuclear power because Mars' dust storms, cold temperatures, and distance from the sun make solar energy unreliable.
From 2018 until his retirement in 2026, Hendricks returned to the Hot Fuel Examination Facility, where he helped develop and research Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE). PIE is like a medical checkup for nuclear fuel, ensuring the safety and efficiency of future reactors.
As Hendricks reflects on his career, he feels a sense of pride and satisfaction. He believes that nuclear energy is the right path forward for worldwide energy, and he hopes the public gains a better understanding of the work happening at the INL. With safer reactors, he believes we're leaving the world in a better, safer place.
Now, at 58 years old, Hendricks is looking forward to retirement, traveling with his wife Tammy, exploring the Oregon coast, and spending more time hunting, fishing, and restoring old cars. His journey has been a testament to the power of science and technology, and the impact of one individual's work on the world.
